Young Single Soldiers and Relationships

ARI Research Note 94-11
AD-A279 167
Young Single Soldiers and Relationships
Dennis K. Orthner, Gary L. Bowern,

Laura I. Zimmerman, and Kathrine A. Short
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Ds TIC
ELECTE Vf
Leadership and Organizational Change Technical Area

Paul A. Gade, Chief
Manpower and Personnel Research Division

Zita M. Simutis, Director
March 1994
94 5 12 008
94-14326
United States Army

Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences
Approved for public release; distribution Is unlimited.
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of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel
EDGAR M,JOHNSON
Director
Research accomplished under contract

for the Department of the Army
Research Triangle Institute
Technical review by
D. Bruce Bell
Martha L. Teplitsky
Jacquelyn Scarville
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Young Single Soldiers and Relationships MDA903-87-C-0540
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6. AUTOR(S)2302
Orthner, Dennis K.; Bowen, Gary L.,; Zimmerman, Laura I.; C0
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13. ABSTRACT (Maxeimum 200 words)

This research examines the impact of boyfriend and girl~friend relationships
on the readiness, retention, and support service needs of young single soldiers
in th( Army, It is the first major investigation in this area and offers military
leaders a new look at the transitions soldiers make from single to married status
an~d the effects of those transitions on behavior, attitudes, and needs,
The data were collected from a random sample of 11,035 soldiers in 1989. The
analyses were conducted on 2,242 single soldiers in the lunior enlisted (Private--
Sergeant) and officer (Second Lieutenant--Captain) grades under 30 years of age with
no children. A samosle of 1,017 young married soldiers with no children who reported
they were happily married was examined using the same variables for comparison
purposes.
It was found that involvement in relationships had a significant effect on
soldiers and that effects varied according to the seriousness of the relationship,
the gender of the soldier, and the race/ethnic stattus of the soldier. There was an
overall trend toward higher job performance and Army commitment among those in
(Continued)
14. SUBJECT TERMS 15. NUMBER OF PAGES
Single soldiers Performance 63
Readiness Retention 16. PRICE CODE
Psychological adjustment Support services -
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OF REPORT OF THNS PAGE OF ABSTRACT
Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified Unlimited
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r,ei<r,bed bv ANSI Std 119-19
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13. ABSTIRCT (Continued)
relationships, but this was less true for minority and female soldiers than
for male soldiers. Expressed lack of community and relationship support were
greatest among those soldiers who were considering marriage.
The findings were interpreted in terms of their value to military service
providers, trainers, leaders, and manpower personnel. Specific recommendations
were offered to expand support program efforts to singles, offer more premarriage
counseling and training on relationship issues, increase training on single-
related issues to service providers and unit leaders, and conduct further
research on this military population.
1I
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FOREWORD
The Army Family Research Program (AFRP) is a 5-year integrated research program
started in November 1986 in response to research mandated by the Chief of Staff of the
Army's White Par, 198 3 - The Army Family and subsequently by The Army Family Action
Plans (1984-1989). Other AFRP products examine (1) service needs and access, (2) factors
that influence adaptation to Army life, (3) how families influence career decisions, (4) how
unit activities affect and are affected by families, and (5) how to better handle Army stressors
such as family separation and relocations.
This report examines the impact of personal relationships on the readiness, retention,
and support service needs of young single soldiers. The findings contained in this repoit were
briefed to representatives from the Community and Family Support Center, Deputy Chief of
Staff of Personnel, and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research on February 6, 1991.
Conclusions and recommendations are offered to military service providers, leaders,
manpower personnel, and researchers.
The U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) is
conducting this research as part of its Advanced Development program pursuant to the ARI-
CFSC Letter of Agreement dated 18 December 1986, "Spmnsorship of ARI Army Family
Research." This research is an important part of the mission of ARI's Leadership and
Organizational Change Technical Area (LOCTA), which is to investigate the relationship
between family facto;, and soldier retention and readiness and to explore family adaptation to
the Army environment.
*1ii
ACKNOWLED LMEN-T-3-- -
Grateful appreciation is expressed to the team members who contributed to the

development of thiz; report. Janet Griffith of the Research Triangle Institute provided valuable
comments on the development of the research plan. D. Bruce Bell, Jacquelyn Scarville,
Martha Teplitzky, and Nora K. Stewart of the U.S. Army Research Institute for the
Behavioral and Social Sciences (ARI) offered substantive comments that improved the analysis
and the preparation of the report. Gerald Croan of Caliber Associates gave valuable comments
and suggestions for the development of the measures. Although the contributions and feedback
from these individuals are recognized, responsibility for the contents of the report lies solely
with the authors.
iv
YOUNG SINGLE SOLDIERS AND RELATIONSHIPS
I
EXEC=V SUIMMARY
Requirement:
The research supports The Army Family Action Plans by providing data and analysis
on young single soldiers in the Army and their transition to family status. It is the first major
investigation of the effect of boyfriend and girlfriend partner relationships on the readiness,
retention, and support service needs of single soldiers. It supports the need for data on how to
assist soldiers in making adjustments to military demands.
Procedure:
The data were collected from a stratified random sample of 11,035 soldiers in 1989.
The analyses were conducted on 2,242 single soldiers in the junior enlisted and officer pay
grades under 30 years of age with no children. A sample of 1,017 young married soldiers who
reported that they were happily married was examined using the same variables for
comparison purposes. Single soldiers were categorized into those with no relationships
(independent), less serious relationships (involved), and marriage-oriented relationships
(committed). Analyses compared soldiers on the following variables: job performance,
retention plans, job attitudes, personal well-being, social and community support, and support
services needs and use.
Findings:
The analyses indicate involvement of single soldiers in .Aationships has a significant
effect on soldier performance, retention intentions, job attitudes, well-being, and support
needs. There are significant differences, however, depending on the gender and race/ethnic
status of the soldier. In general, there is a trend toward more positive job performance and
Army commitments associated with involvement in relationships among singles. This is more
likely to be the case for White male and female soldiers and less likely for Black and Hispanic
soldiers, although the minority soldiers are the most likely to exhibit positive soldier
characteristics when they are independent ot relationships. Needs for support services are
greatest among soldiers who are considering marriage.
v
I.
'V
Utilization of Findings:
The findings from this research will facilitate the work of military services providers,
trainers, leaders, and manpower personnel. Specific recommendations were offered to expand
support program efforts to singles, offer more premarriage counseling and training on
relationship issues, increase training on single-related issues to service providers and unit
leaders, and conduct furlher research on this military population.
iv
-vI
(7 .-
YOUNG SINGLE SOL DIERS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Page
INTRODUCTION ................................................ 1
The Army as a Structural Context for

Relationship Formation .... .................................... 2
Relationship Status and Adaptation ................................... 4
PROFILE OF SINGLE SOLDIERS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS ........... 7
RELATIONSHIP STATUS AND ADAPTATION TO ARMY LIFE ............ 13
Job Performance .......................................... 13

Retention and Relationships .................................... .. 17.
Job Attitudes and Relationships....................................... 23
Psychological Well-Being and Relationships ................ ......... 28
Social and Community Supports ................................... 33
Support Services .............................................. 37
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................... 41
Major Findings ....................... .................. 41

Recommendations for Service Providers .............................. 42
Recommendations for Education and Training .......................... 43
Recommendations for Commanders and Supervisors .................... 43
Recommendations for Manpower Personnel ............................ 44
REFERENCES .................................................. 45
APPENDIX A. METHODS ...................................... A-1
vii
Il
I- - . =• . _. ... * .
CONTENTS (Continued)
Page
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Young Single Soldiers and Their Relationships:

Gender and Race/Ethnic Differences .......................... 8
2. Young Single Soldiers and Their Relationships:

Gender and Rank/Grade Differences .......................... 9
3. Military Status of Single Soldiers' Partners ...................... 10
4. Proximity of Single Soldiers' Partners ......................... 11
5. Job Performance Variables by Relationship Status ................ 14
6. Retention Variables by Relationship Status ...................... 18
7. Job Attitude Variables by Relationship Status ................... 24
8. Psychological Well-Being Variables by Relationship

Status . .. ... . .. .. ...... ... .. .. ... ... .. ... .. ... .. . 29
9. Social and Community Support Variables by

Relationship Status ...................................... 34
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Young single soldiers and their relati-: iships

in the Arm y ....................................... 7
2. Supervisor ratings of performance ........................... 15
3. Perceived preparedness for war ............................. 16
4. Higher probability of retention ............................. 19
5. Feel;,ig good about staying in the Army among

young single soldiers .................................. 20
viii
CONTENTs (Coninum).
Page
Figure 6. Friend/spouse wants soldier to stay

in the Army .......................................... 22
7. Friend/partner supports Army career among
young single soldiers .......... ...................... 23
8. Satisfaction with Army job ................................ 25
9. Pc cception of soldiering importance .. ....................... 26
10. Satisfaction with Army way of life ........................... 27
11. High self-esteem ....................................... 30
12. Internal locus of control .................................. 32
13. Social support among young single soldiers ................... 35
14. Community satisfaction ............................... 36
15. Usefulness of support services among young

single soldiers ... ..................................... 38
16. Use of support services among young single

soldiers ......... ................................... 39
Jb .
ix
YOUNG SINGLE SOLDIERS AND RELATIONSHIPS
introduction
The formation of imimate relationships is a normal and expected task of adult life.
These relationships are not only a necessary precursor to marriage, they are also an
important source of social support for single men and women. Despite the increased fragility
of marriage in contemporary society, single men and women remain highly optimistic about
their prospects for forming serious relationships and comnmiitted to the institution of marriage
(Glick, 1989; Orthner, 1990; Thornton, 1989).
Nearly 368,000 single men and women are, serving in the U.S. Army today. Many are
involved in boyfriend and girlfriend relationships, and the majority will eventually marry. Still,
single soldiers have been treated as a homogeneous group in both past research and in
personnel policies, as if they had no relational obligations and commitments other than Army
service. Consequently, othcr than anecdotal accounts, relatively little is known about the
relationship involvements and commitments of these soldiers, and how these involvements
and commitments influence their adaptation to Army life.
Such neglect stands in sharp contrast to the plethora of studies in rcent years on the
relatio•nships of married s..diers (see Bowen & Orzhnur, 1989; Orthner & Bowen, 1990).
These studies suggest hhat marital well-being and spouse support play a critical role in the
adaptation and commitments of mnriied soldiers, enhancing personnel performance, retention
behavior, and smcial stability. Partaers in single relationships may have similar effects on the
attitudes and behavior of one another, especially as these relationships become more serious.
This report explores the relationship status of young singie soldiers, as well as the
influence that relatkiship status has on the adaptation of these soldiers to Army life. In this
analysis, groups of single soldicrs who are involved in relationships, but at different levels of
commitment, are compared to those who are not involved in intimate rciationships. These
single groups are also compared to a similar group of young married soldiers who report that
they are happily married.
Collected as parr of the Army Research Institute's Army Family Research Program,
the data for the analysis are based on a stratified probability sample of soldiers worldwide.
The analysis was restricted to those soldiers who were under 30 years of age, either young
enlisted (nrivatev rnmnr!•, :and serge.ants) or voungfoficers (I.-t and 2nd lientenanvn and
captains), and childless. Single soldiers were further restricted to those who reported uwat
they had never been married.
For purposes of analysis, single soldiers were classified into one of three relationship
status groups: Independent (no girl-boyfriend), Involved (relationship involvement but with
no or little discussion of marriage plans), and Committed (relationship involvement and
frequent discussion of marriage). Afz.-r presenting a descriptive and comparative pmfile of
these soldiers by relationship status;, including their happily marned counterparts, the
adaptation of these single soldiers is compared across relationship status groups. Indicators
of adaptation include job performance, retention intentions, work-related attitudes, personal
well-being, social ana community support, and the perceived helpfulness and prior use of
social services in the Army community. These associations between relationship status and
indicators of adaptation are examined within gender, race/ethnic, and rank groups, including
the use of higher order interactions. However, because of sample size restrictions, Hispanic
females are included only in selected descriptive and comparative profile analyses.
The results from this analysis have rich potential for assisting Army service providers,
education and training specialists, commanders and supervisors, and manpower personnel in
better understanding the characteristics and support needs of young single soldiers. Such
information is critical to fostering the type of community and social support system that both
optimizes the adult development of these soldiers and enables them to combine needs for
intimacy and closeness with the challenges and rigors of Army life.
The Army as a Structural Context for Relationship Formation
In fiscal year 1989/90, approximately 100,000 individuals became activ duty members
of the U.S. Army. Of these soldiers, about three out of four were single at the point of entry.
Yet, three out of five soldiers in the U.S. Army are married at any time; the majority of these
men and women formed these relationships in the early years of their Army obligation.
However, a higher proportion of male soldiers than female soldiers are married at any one
time, especially in the more senior enlisted and officer grades. These statistics suggest that
the Army is an important structural context for relationship formation. They also suggest that
relationship formation may have different implications for men and women in the U.S. Army.
There are a number of competing theories about the dynamics of interpersonal
attraction in establishing relationships. Still, the research literature identifies at least three
factors that influence the field of eligibles from which singles select partners (Adams, 1979;
Levinger & Rands, 1985): proximity (individuals select partners with whom they have had
some personal contact), endogamy (the custom of forming relationships with those from one's
own social group), and homogamy (individuals choose partners with whom they share similar
personal and social characteristics).
The U.S. Army provides a social context in which each of these factors operates to
influence relationship formatin. It also exerts a strong normative value system that
reinforces becoming married rather than remaining single, especially for male soldiers; defines
values, traits, and ci'aracteristics most important h: a prospective partner; and sets
parameters on how personal commitments should be balanced against Army demands and
i: responsibilities. In addition, it provides a set of structural conditions through its regulations,
demands, and benefit structure that influence the relative attractiveness of marriage
compared to being single.
"First,service, in the Army greatly influences the field of eligibles from which soldiers
can select partners. Individuals who join the Army associate with others from various
community and regional backgrounds, socioeconomic groups, racial/ethnic groups, and
religious affiliations. In addition, soldiers are often assigned to locations that further expand
their field of eligibles, including overseas assignments.
JL••. .• _--_- - - - -- •. ..' -_- - - -- •. . . . t_.•• - •

;4 Coupled with this more diversified field of eligibles than is commonly found in most
civilian locations, the Army is generally more open than many civilian communities to
relationships between individuals with different personal and social characteristics. For
example, while generally rare in the civilian sector, both interracial and intercultural
relationships are relatively common in the Army. Because of this social context, young
soldiers who form relationships may be less likely than their civilian counterparts to share
similar personal and social characteristics with their partner.
Compared to males, females in the A.rmy may be particularly advantaged by the ratio
of men to women in forming relationships. This is particulariy true for Black females who
generally fare better in the military than in the civilian sector in finding a pool of eligible men.
Not only is the ratio of young Biack males to young Black females better balanced for Black
females in the military than in the civilian sector, but also male prospects who are members of
Armed Forces all have jobs--a situation that is less characteristic for Black males in the
civilian sector (Taylor, Chatters, Tucker, & Lewis, 1990).
Besides providing a social context for relationship formation, the organizational culture
of the Army provides strong "informal" messages about marriage itself and about the values
that are most important in selecting a partner. These messages imply that marriage is
important to the career of a soldier, especially for males, and that soldiers need to select
partners who understand the priority of Army demands and requirements to personal and
relationship needs. Messages also apply to the relationship itself: Army couples are
expected to work together as a team in support of the Army mission (Bowen, 1990; Orthner,
Bowen & Beare, 1990; Segal, 1989). The effective communication of such messages has
been evident in the interviews with civilian spouses about the deployment of their Army
spouses to the Middle East.
Through its policies and requirements, the Army also provides a set of benefits and
costs that become associated with relationship status. These policies and requirements may
encourage relationship formation. For example, young single enlisted soldiers are required to
live in the barrack-. In general, a much higher proportion of these soldiers than their married
counterparts are dissatisfied with their living quarters (Walter Reed Army Institute of
Research, 1988). Such dissatisfaction may encourage singles to form relationships that lead
to marria ye to escape life in the barracks (Blucher, 1988).
Besides residential differences between young single and married soldiers, other
aspects of the benefit structure may also encourage young singles to form relationships and
become marr i. For example, since most soldiers who enlist do not plan a career in the
Army (Defeiý,e Manpower Data Center, 1986), it is possible that they decide to start their
familie-s while on active duty since the military pays the costs of maternity care and delivery.
Other benefits which advantage married members include higher weight allowances when
they move and higher rates for Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ).
The recent deployment of troops to the Middle East represents a prime exampie of
how militar) requirements can influence relatk aship formation. Similar to World War II and
other wartime operations, a number of soldiers, both active duty and reserve, married just
before departure. The success of these marriages often depends on the length of the
separation and the degree of support that is given to the spouse by the military during the
deplo ment.
3
In summary, the Army context provides an important structural context in which to
understand relationship formation and development. It has established a set of values and
expectations toward relationships, albeit implicit and often unspoken, as well as a reward and
benefit system, that encourages relationships to develop toward commitment and marriage.
In the context, it is not surprising that many young soldiers form relationships and become
married before the end of their first enlistment or period of obligation.
Relationship Status and Adaptation

The association between relationship status and various measures of adaptation has
been an important focus of research. In general, this research suggests that married men and
women, as compared t3 their single counterparts, especially the divorced and separated,
experience higher levels of physical and psychological well-being, including lower mortality
rates, better physical health, lower rates of institutionalization (e.g., hospitals, correctional
facilities), lower rates of mental illness, less depression and anxiety, and higher levels of
reported happiness and life satisfaction (see Coombs, 1991; Gove, Style, & Hughes, 1990).
Although these findings are subject to different interpretations, marriage is often described as
a protective barrier against the external stressor events that challenge the coping resources
of individuals.
Yet, there are several important caveats in this literature that help frame the
contribution of the present study. First, the. benefits of marriage accrue more to men than to
women (Coombs, 1991). Second, the association between marital status and adaptation is
conditional, depending on the perceptions of spouses toward the marital relationship.
Individuals in unhappy marriages report tie lowest levels of adaptation, even lower than
individuals who are divorced and separated (Gove, Style, & Hughes, 1990). Third, the
measures of adaptation employed have largely focused on physical and psychological well-
being. Relatively little attention has been given to how social, community, and work attitudes
and behavior may vary by marital status.
Fourth, it is possible that the impact of marital status on individual adaptation
depends upon a number of factors, including socialization influences, structural conditions and
normative considerations that influence the values, expectations, and beliefs of individuals.
Such influences, conditions, and considerations have been shown to vary by such variables as
gender, racial/ethnic grou-, and socioeconomic status, variables that have been generally
absent in prior research examining the relationship between marital status and adaptation.
Fifth, while the quality of the marital relationship has been identified as an important
mediator in the relationship be.ween ii.ita.. status and adaptation the natuve.of
relationships maintained by single individuals has not been examined in prior research. It is
possible that outcomes for singles are influenced greatly by the extent to which they are
involved in relationships, especially given the "protection/support" hypothesis that is used to
explain differences in the adaptation of single and married respondents. Such relationships,
especially committed ones, can greatly reduce the possible differences in personal and
occupational outcomes between individuals who are single and happily married.
Last, the association between relationship status and adaptation has been limited
largely to civiliaa populations. Although the adaptation of single and married soldiers to
1' 4
ii
Army demands has been compared in prior research (e.g., Bowen, 1989; Orthner et aL, 1985),
the influence of relationship involvement among singles on their adaptation has not received
any attention in the military literature.
Although restricting its focus to those single soldiers who have never been married,
this present study has the potential to shed conr'iderable light on the association between
relationship status and adaptation in the U.S. Arniy. Not only are a broader array of
dependent outcomes examined than has been characteristic of prior research with civilian
populations, but also, variations in these outcomes are examined across groups of single
soldiers that have been categorized according to thfeir relationship involvements and level of
commitment. In addition, outcomes for these soldiers are compared to a group of soldiers
who report that they are happily married, and group differences are examined in the context of
gender, racial/ethnic group, and rank.1
The data in this report were analyzed by tests for the significance between
proportions produced in the analyses. As a rule of thumb, differences between proportions of
less than 10 percent are less likely to be statistically significant. For small samples, even
larger differences between proportions may be required to achieve significance. Appendix A
includes a table of unweighted sample group totals and standard error estimates that provide
a guide in interpreting differences between proportions in the report. It should be noted that
special caution should be exercised in drawing conclusions where the unweighted sample
group size is less than 30.
t Additionalcross-vibulaions from the data (beyond those reported in the. text) are available from the authors or
from the Army Research Institutt for the Behavioral and Social Sciences.
5
Profile of Single Soldiers and Their Relationships
The information on young single soldiers in the Army is based on a probability sample
of Army active duty personnel in 1989. The sample was randomly selected from installations
and units in CONUS and overseas. Each of the soldiers had received PCS orders to their
current assignment.
Approximately 30 percent of the 11,035 soldiers who completed the Army Soldier and
Family Survey were included in the present analysis (n=3259), including 2,242 single soldiers
and a comparison group of 1,017 married soldiers. These respondents were restricted to
junior enlisted (privates, privates 1st class, corporals and specialists) and company grade
officer (Ist and 2nd lieutenants and captains) ranks (84% and 16% of the restricted sample,
respectively). Respondents were further restricted to those under 30 years of age with no
children. The single soldier sample included only those who had never been married. A
*demographic profile of the sample used in the present analysis is contained in Appendix A.
For purposes of this analysis, relationship status among young single soldiers was
based on whether the soldier indicated he or she was "engaged or significantly involved" in a
relationship with someone. Among soldiers who answered no, they were classified as
independent singles. Among those who answered yes, the seriousness of that relationship
was defined by how frequently the soldier had discussed marriage with his or her girlfriend or
boyfriend. Those who indicated they never, seldom, or only sometimes discussed marriage
were classified as being involved. Those who indicated they had discussed marriage often or
very often were defined as committed. Among young single male soldiers, 55 percent were
classified as independent, 27 percent were considered involved, and 18 percent were in
committed relationships (see Figure 1). Among young female soldiers, 40 percent were
classified as independent, 33 percent were involved, and 27 percent were in committed
relationships (see Figure 1).
Male 55Jo
Independent
Involved 27%
Committed
FemaleA40
Independent
Involved
CommittedZ%
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0
Figur 1L Young single soldiers and their relationships in the Army.
7
Preceding Page Blank
As expected, given the more optimal relationship formation environment that is found
for minorities in the military as compared to the civilian sector, differences in relationship
involvement by race and ethnic group were slight (see Table 1). A slightly higher proportion
of White (57%) and Hispanic (55%) males were independent compared to Black males
(51%). Similarly, a somewhat higher proportion of Black males were involved in committed
relationships than other male soldiers.
Some differences were also fouind in relationship status according to the pay grade of
the young soldiers (see Table 2). The pattern of relationship status by grade, however, was
quite different for young male and female soldiers. Among males, a higher proportion of those
in the most junior enlisted grades were independent (60%) compared to corporals/specialists
(53%), sergeants (54%), or junior officers (52%).
Counter to the pattern for males, the proportion of female soldiers who were
independent increased as pay grade increased: privates (32%) corporals/specialists (43%),
sergeants (48%), and lieutenants (50%). Not surprisingly given the ratio of male to female
soldiers, in comparisons between male and female enlisted soldiers, a greater proportion of
males were independent. There were no significant differences in relationship status
between male and female junior officers.
Ta. 1
Young Single Soldiers and Their Relationships: Gender and Race/Ethnic Differences
Relationship M e Feale&s
Status White Black Hispanic White Blac
Independent 57 51 55 38 44
Involved 26 29 30 35 29
Committed 17 _iL-_ 1 X7 12
Total 100 100 100 100 100
8
Iable2
Young Single Soldiers and Their Relationships: Gender and Rank/Grade Differences
Relationship Male Females
Status Priv. Corp./Spec. Serg. Offic. Priv. Corp./Spec. Serg. Offic.
Independent 60 53 54 52 32 43 48 50
Involved 23 29 28 26 32 30 26 28
Committed 17..1 22 2M 36 26 22
Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
An analysis was conducted to determine if there were any differenc:zs in the

reiationship involvements of single soldiers accordinb to the type of unit they were in or the
location of that unit. No significant differences were found in the level of relationship
involvement among soldiers in combat, combat support, combat services support, or TDA
units. Likewise, there were no differences in relationship involvement among soldiers in
CONUS, Europe or other OCONLUS locations.
Young soldiers in relationships were asked for some basic demographic information
about their partner, including their military status or experience and their distance from the
soldier. In terms of military status, very few male soldiers were in relationships with current
or former active duty personnel (see Table 3). Only one in ten had a relationship with a
person who was currently on active duty and very few had partners who had ever been on
active duty. Among young female soldiers, the findings are quite different. Only one in ten of
their partners had never been on active duty and eight out of ten were currently on active
duty. There are no substantial differences in the proportions of active duty personnel in
relatonships with other soldiers octween and locations.
9
Table
Mijitary Status of Single Soldiers' Partners
Male Females
Parter: Invclved Committed Involved Committe
Currently on active duty 10 9 85 81

Formerly on active duty 2 3 6 12
Never on active duty .. -9-
_2
Total 100 100 100 100
Many single soldiers were involved in relationships with partners who lived relatively
nearby (see Table 4). About half (49%) of the young male soldiers were in relationships with
partners "living within a 2-hour drive" of their current location. This suggests that nany of
these relationships were initiated after the soldier joined the Army and probably at their
current location. Among those males who were in less serious, involved relationships, 44
percent of their partners lived nearby. A greater propoition of those in more committed
relationships lived nearby (55%). In contrast to males, a smaller proportion of females had
a partner who lived ntarby (24%). This was particularly true in the less serious involved
relationships (18%) but was also true for those in committed relationships (30%). In contrast
to the finding for males, there was a tendency for the more serious relationships of female
soldiers to involve someone who lived nearby.
10
.?
J•'..o Single Soldiers' Partners
% with partners less than 2 hours am
MAI ES FEMALES
CONUS (Total) (49) (24)

Involved 45 15
Committed 56 32
Europe (Total) (45) (29)
Involved 41 27
Conmmitted 50 30
Other OCONUS (Total) (63) ( 1)
Involved 57 9
Comnitted 72 15
Total (49) (24)
Involved 44 18
Committed 55 30
The proximnty to the partner was also influenced by the duty station of the soldier (see
Table 4). A greater proportion of male soldiers in aon-European, OCONUS locations (63%)
lived near their partners than those in Europe (45%) or in CONUS (49%). A much smaller
proportion of female than male soldiers lived near their partners at all locations. This was
particularly true for those who were assigned to non-European OCONUS locations (11%) as
compared to those in Europe (29%) and CONUS (24%). While it was not surprising that
young male soldiers were dating others who lived nearby, it is somewhat noteworthy that a
substantial proportion of male soldiers living overseas had partners who lived nearby, most
likely foreign nationals. Since the overwhelming majority of males were dating civilians, the
fact that nearly half of those living in Europe were dating someone who was also in Europe
suggests that proximity is a powerful factor in the development of relationships.
11
S.._. w
. ,'•
. . ,-•. ----.- -•• .. - -•....- . . . .,- -..... . ..... .•-
Relationship Status and Adaptation to Army Life
Job Performance
This section of the report describes the analysis of variables reflecting soldier job
performance and relationship status among single and married young soldiers. Primary
analyses focus on variations in job performance among singles who are either independent,
those who are in less serious relationships, or those in committed relationships. For
comparison purposes, the analyses provide selected comparisons of singles with married
soldiers who describe their relationships as happy, all of whom are of similar rank, grade, and
age.
Four variables were examined as illustrative of job performance and soldier readiness:
(1) the rating of soldier performance and readiness made by 1st and 2nd line supervisors, (2)
the soldier's level of perceived preparation to perform wartime tasks, (3) the solder's receipt
of letters of appreciation, commendation or achievement in the last two years, and (4) the
soldier's perceived success at dealing with current work responsibilities. For some soldiers,
ratings were secured only from a 1st or 2nd line supervisor. In cases where ratings were
available from both supervisors, an average supervisor rating was computed for purposes of
analysis (Sadacca and DiFazio, 1991).
As the data on Table 5 indicate, there were no differences in ratings of performance

among young single soldiers in different relationship statuses, whether those ratings were
provided by supervisors or whether they were self-ratings. One-third of the soldiers were
rated high in job performance by their supervisors, and this proportion did not differ
significantly for those with or without relational partners. The highest performance indicators
for single soldiers were associated with receiving administrative letters of support and
perceived success in meeting work responsibilities. Approximately three out of four single
soldiers across relationship status received high marks on these job performance indicators.
Young married soldiers were somewhat more likely to receive higher ratings by their
supervisors, and they were also more likely than independent single soldiers to feel that they
were meeting their work responsibilities quite well.
In general, the data indicate that a similar proportion of single female soldiers and
male soldiers received high job performance ratings from their supervisors. These similarities
held irrespective of relational status.
13
Preceding Page Blank
Job Performance Variables by Relationship Status
-- I
Single
I .'~i Vaibe n endent _.Involved• Committd HUapp-ily M-arried
Above average supervisor-

rated performancea 30 30 33 41
Well prepared for warb 66 68 67 70

Received Letters of
Commendation, etc.C 71 75 74 71
Success meeting work
responsibilitiesd 74. 76 77 83
a 3rd and 4th quartiles: coded from low to high performance
b Percent responding "Well" or "Very Well" prepared
c Received one or more letters
d Percent responding to 5, 6, 7 (well) on 7-point item
Further analyses indicated that it is important to understand the racial/ethnic

background of the single soldiers in understanding their job performance. 't was anticipated
that racial/ethnic factors might influence the job performance of the soldiers since previous
research suggested cultural differences in courtship and marriage across race/ethnic groups
(Bowen & Janofsky, 1988). Indeed, the data indicate that male - id female soldiers from
W hire, Black and Hispanic backgrounds were likely to vary in the way in which dicr job
performance was affected by their relationship commitments, especially while still single.
Among young male soldiers, there are several significant differences between White,
*. 1 Black and Hispanic soldiers in their supervisor ratings within relationship status groups (see
Figure 2). Among White and Black male soldiers, there were. no differences in supervisor
ratings of job performance among soldiers who were in relationships as compared to those
who were independent singles. Among young White male soldiers, higher supervisor ranings
were given to those who were married than to ihose who were single, but this was not true
14
60 . "
50 -01,• °O~i••M;[€L
%'O~e~
White FMale
SWhite Female
40 -oo
- .lack Female
S30 - :/ __
' t" Black M gat
f 20 -00 . Hispanic Male

i
10*
Independent Involved Committed Happily Married
L. Single -
Relationship Status
Fig 2. Supervisor ratings of performance.
for Black soldiers. Compared to their counterparts who were independent singles or involved
in less serious relationships, a lower proportion of Hispanic males in committed relationships
received high supervisor ratings. However, the proportion of Hispanic soldiers who were
married that received high ratings on job performance wac similar to those in less committed
relationships. Among young female soldiers, the pattern of supervisor ratings of job
performance indicators was somewhat different. A hiivher proportion of young, Whitu females
who were in relationships received above average job performancu ratings than those who
were not in relationships. There was a proportional increase in high supervisor ratings
across relationship status groups for White females. in contras, aaong young B Iack
females, a lower proportion of those involved in less serious relationships recei,ýcd above
average job performance ratings than those in the other relationship status groups.
When the data were analyzed in light of perceived self-preparedntss for war, similar
patterns to supervisor rated performance appeared in the iesults (see Figure 3). In contrast
to the other indicators of job performance, a lower proportion of female than male soldiers
reported being well prepared to perform their jobs under wartime conditions. This may reflect
more about the specific job responsibilities of female soldiers than about their overall
readiness, since females are prohibited from perforrming certain wartime job responsibilities.
15
90-/
80 - 80- +Ii' Hi.panic 1Male
70 ,, *"= Male•"''
Bl~~13ack
,60-,0
_50
_________ White Female
40..,Black Femalc
*1&0 ... e..i.i.. I I! l IO
30 000 1
20'

Single
Relationship Status
*Only include soldicer in combat support and combat service slpport units.
Eigurtl. Perceived preparedness for war.
Overall, it would appear that a slightly higher proportion of both male and female
White soldiers who were in relationships, especially those in committed relationships, felt
"betterprepared for war than those who were in no relationships. The pattern for Hispanic
"malesoldiers, however, paralleled findings for supervisor ratings of performance, with a
slightly lower percentage of those in committed relationships feeling prepared to perform their
tasks in war. Among young Black female soldiers, a lower proportion of those who were
,,I either in involved or committed relationships reported feeling well prepared for war compared
to those who had no relationships. Among young Black male soldiers, a lower proportion of
those who were independent or in committed relationships felt well prepared for war than
Black maL.s who were married. In addition, a lower proportion of independent or committed
"i Black males felt well prepared for war than their White male counterparts.
It should be noted that the four indicators of job performance were also examined in
,ermns of the grade and rank of the young single soldiers. Compared to their enlisted
counterparts, a higher proportion of officers both rated themselves high on these measures
and were rated above average by their supervisors. In addition, within enlisted groups, a
higher proportion of corporals/specialists and sergeants were rated high in performance by
supervisors compared to privates.
I..16
In general, the, findings relamed v) job perfonnance and relationship status among
young soldiers indicate that the presence and !evel of relational commitment among single
soldiers can have an impact on the way soldiers are r-aied by their supervisors and how they
are performing their jobs or are picpared to perform those jobs in time of war. Among young
White men and women, relationship involvements and comnunigents appear to be reconciled
quite efli~ctively with their work, resulting in higher or no differences in ,atings of performance
and preparedness among those in more commitied relationships. The pattern of responses to
balancing work and relationship demands amoog Black and Hispanic soldiers was somewhat
less clear. Hispanic male soldiers, in particular, appeared to experience more difficulty in
maintaining high levels of job performance and preparedness when they were in more
committed, non-maritml relationships. Among those who were happily married, however, high
ratings on performance and preparedness were again rmported by young Hispanic soldiers. A
lower proportion of young, Black femaie soldiers similarly reported high ratings on
performance and prepared&iets when flicy were in less serious relationships. Their Black .•
male counterparts, however, did not experience this pattern of lower ratings; instead, they
appeared to be slightly advantaged by involvements in less serious relationships.
The potential impact of relationships on dic, retention of young, single soldiers is of

importance wo the Army. Considerable attention has been given to the contribution of
spouses to the retention of married soldiers; yet little is known about how the retention-
related attitudes and behaviors of single soldiers are affected by their rriationship status.
In the present ar:ulysis, six retention-related variables were examined (see Table 6). Two of
the indicators were based on scales that assessed the probability of remaining in the ArmY
and th.l'level of current coaunitment to the Army axd its values. Two additional variables
addrssed the isne of how good or bad soldiers would feel it they decided to stay or leave
the Army after their current obligation. Two other variables addressed the extent to which
soldiers felt their Army job was better or worse than P.civilian job. and beliefs that the Army
or they were getting a better deal from their current obligation.
17
etention Yaiiables by Relationship Status
Sirabre
Vaiables Independent Involved Committed -Hapi) IM-4,q..
.LQ2
Plan to remain in Armya 29 29 34 47
Committed to the Armyb 57 57 54 66
Feel good about staying inc 26 29 27 36
Feel good aboat leavingd 58 59 55 45
Army job better than civiliane 37 37 39 44
Army getting better deal

than selff 62 62 66 60
a .,rd and 4th quartiles: coded from 'planning to leave' to 'planning to stay'
b Percent responding medium or high commitment
c Percent responding "Quite Good" or "Extremely Good" about stayi :g
d Percent responding "Quite Good" or "Extremely Good" about leaving
".3rd and 4th quartiles: coded from 'civilian job better' to 'Army job better'
f Percent responding 'getting a much worse deal than Army'
As the data in Table 6 suggest, a higher proportion of young married soldiers felt
positive about a continued Army obligation than single soldiers. However, in general, few
proportional differences were found in the retention-related attitudes of single soldiers across
relationship status groups. As was the case with job performance, more specific analyses
are necessary in order to determine if relationship status among singles is related to
retention plans or the factors that might influence those plans.
First, it is important to examine differences between men and women in their retention
plans and the role that relationship status can play in those plans. The data in Figure 4
indicate that a higher proportion of single women without relationships planned on staying in
the Army than single men without relationships. However, as men became more involved
with partners, there was a noticeable increase in the proportion of men who planned to remain
18
in the Army, as compared to females, especially when they were married (49%). Meanwhile,
a lower proportion of women who were in relationships than those who were independent
(42%) had high retention probability, whether those relationships were less serious (24%) or
committed (30%). Apparently, the prospect of having to balance a relationship with Army
responsibilities concerns many woflLn, and this may cause them to consider leaving the
Army. These women may also m'=rr- or become involved with soldiers who are leaving the
Army, since women who m,-77,- so!diers staying in the Army may also stay in the Army
themselves.
The potential effect o• xelationship statu.s varied somewhat by gender and race. In
general, a higher proportion of Black men (26%) -nd women (52%) who were independent
planned to continue their Army obligation than indepo;rdent White men (26%) and women
(32%). A higher proportion of White mrnles in czipnitted relationships wanted to continue
their obligation (35%) than those with no rclationshipo (26%). Among Black males, however,
level of relational commitment had no effec on Anny career plans. Among female soldiers, a
reverse pattern was observed. A lo%.'er proportio)n of Black females in committed
relationships planned on staying in the Army (34%) cumpared to those who were
independent (52%). Among White femnales, ,., &ame pattern was observed, although the
differences were not significant: 27% of those in committe" I relationships planned to remain
compared to 32% of those with no relationship.
50
a Males
-4- -- -
"40
-Ferales
S30
20 = a

Single
Relationship Status
EigurL 4 Higher probability of retention.
I1
The attitudes underlying these retention intentions also reflected the differential role
of rel'.tionships for young male and female soldiers (see Figure 5). While there were no
diffi;rences between White male and female single soldiers in their attitudes toward staying
in the Army, for both Black an 7.White young men and women, a somewhat higher proportion
of those in less serious relationships reported feeling good about staying in the Army than
those whu were either independent or involved in committed relationships. Overall,
anticipation of feeling good about an Army career is higher among young Black soldiers,
compared to White soldiers, awd these attitudes appear to be enhanced during earlier stages
of relationship development. For Black women, there was a very high percentage who felt
good about staying in the Army when they were in less involved relationships (44%); but
among those who were in either independent (34%) or in committed relationships (37%), the
perceptions were slightly less positive.
Among Hispanic male soldiers, the data suggested that those in relationships may
have special concerns. Independent Hispanic males reported relatively high levels of interest
in staying in the Army (34%) compared to those in less involved relationships (26%) and
those in committed relationships (20%). These data suggest that Hispanic male soldiers
may experience somewhat more distress related to anticipated problems in reconciling
committed interpersonal relationships and the career demands of being a soldier.
50 -0
.• " ai,." " I'

0 , 'Po Black FeMale
9 .P 4 4oBac e,
•" " , u. , ,r"
.~Su... _ . na
- 9.,. $ , ,'I ___ __
$s I
Independent involved Committed Happily Married

V SinWlM
Relationship Status
Figure 5. Feeling good about staying in the Army among young single soldiers.
20
In order to determine some of the factors that may play a role in encouraging or
discouraging retention for young single soldiers, several additional analyses were conducted.
First, as a test of an instrumental factor, comparisons between Army and civilian jobs and the
perceived equity of the Army environment were examined across relationship status. In
terms of job comparisons, few prcportional differences in relationship status among singles
were found in beliefs about whether jobs were better in the Army or in civilian life.
Relationship status differences were found for Black females, with 58 percent of those not in
relationships considering jobs better in the Army compared to 37 percent of those who were
involved in less serious relationships and 29 percent in committed relationships. In addition,
Hispanic males in less committed, involved relationships were significantly less likely to
consider Army jobs better (19%), compared to those who were independent (38%) or in
committed relationships (40%).
A higher proportion of both Black and White female soldiers who were involved in
relationships saw the Army as a less equitable environment than those who were not in
relationships. Over two-thirds (71%) of the women in committed relationships considered
the Army to be getting a better deal than they were from their obligation compared to only
half (51%) of those who were independently single. While the issue of equity was not a
significant discriminating factor among young male soldiers, these differences for women
suggest that more serious, committed relationships nu-.y prompt many of these women to
question whether the Army will take unfair advantage of their military obligations and unfairly
compete with their relational needs and obligations.
As a measure of the degree to which the girlfriend or boyfriend might have a direct
impact on soldier retention attitudes and behavior, additional analyses were conducted to
determine the extent to which the soldier perceived their partner to be supportive of their
being in the Army, as well as the effect of their partner living nearby or having experience
with active duty status. In terms of support for staying in the Army, soldiers were asked to
indicate whether their partner or spouse supported their staying in the Army. In general, the
data indicated that the more committed the relationship the stronger the perception of support
for staying in the Army (see Figure 6). The strength of this support is particularly strong for
young male soldiers. Only 24 percent of those in less involved relationships believed that
their partners supported their staying in the Army compared to 33 percent of those in
committed relationships and 44 percent of those who were married. Among single female
soldiers, fewer than one out of four felt that their partners were supportive of their staying in
the Army, even among those who were in committed relationships (24%).
It should be noted that a higher proportion of young Black soldiers felt that they were
getting support for staying in the Army in comparison to young White soldiers. For example,
a significantly lower proportion of White males in committed relationships believed that their
part ers wanted them to stay in the Army (23%) compared to Black males (43%). This
pattern also held for females but not as stroigly. Only 22 percent of White females in
committed relationships believed that their partners wanted them to stay in the Army in
comparison to 28 percent of Black female soldiers in these relationships.
21
40
402
,
I
~30 0
20 *
Involved Committed Happily Married

Single
Relationship Status
I Fjgjj 6, Friend/spouse wants soldier to stay in the Army.
It is possible that the support that partners provide is affected by their experiences
with the military and their proximity to the soldier. The data suggest that when partners also
have military experience, they are less likely to be supportive of their partner remaining on
active duty. Among those whose partner was also on active duty, 29 percent of the males
and 18 percent of the females believed that their friend/partner w,,as supportive of their staying
in the Army. Among those whose friend was previously on active duty, a similar percentage
of males (33%), but a lower percentage of females (10%) felt their friend/partner was
supportive.
Nevertheless, of soldiers whose partner had not experienced active duty status, a
h;.-r prop•,rto;n r-,-•,s;w.A hi,.h a,,,wrw,-t ,f--n .mncru nn ative duA T6his wnti-m for h,•th
males (38%) and females (30%). If the partner was living nearby (less than two hours
away), this was more likely to be aipositive factor for female soldiers than for male soldiers.
Among those who had a friend nearby, 24 percent of the males and 41 percent of the females
considered their friend to be supportive of their saying in the Army. When their friend was
farther away, 31 percent of the males and 25 percent of the females considered their friend to
be supportive.
22
__ __
Friend/Parner
i• l 60
Supports Career • 65
j Females
11 Males
Does Not
Support Career 4
0 20 40 60 80
Percent projecting 50*4+
retention probability
.Fig 7L,Friend/partner supports Army career among young single soldiers.
The bottom line for this discussion of the impact of relational status on retention can
be seen in the data reported in Figure 7. It is apparent that when the partner does not
*I support the soldier's career in the Army, the probabilities of either male soldiers (4%) or
female soldiers (11%) staying on active duty is rather low. In contrast, when the soldier
believed that the partner was supportive of their staying in the Army, they were much mo'e
likely to indicate plans to remain beyond their current obligation. These findings are similar to
those that have been found among married personnel and spouses, suggesting that partners
in single relationships can have a significant impact on the soldier's career decision making.
hb-A~ukr-es and Bela inship.

In addition to job performance and retention, job-related attitudes may a1so be
associated with the relationships of single soldiers. In fact, it is anticipated that variations in
job attitudes may serve as a factor influencing some of the differences already examined in
[ retention intentions and job performance among these young single soldiers. The attitudes
towards the Army and Army work can play a significant role in conditioning subsequent
behaviors such as performing well on one's job and continuing one's obligation and career.
23
i t• - -
Five Army job-related variables were exantined in this analysis (see Table 7). Three
of these variables were assessed by scales incorporated into the survey questionnaire.
These included scales on satisfaction with work, level of work stress, and soldiering
importance. In each case, the percentage of the soldiers who scored in the upper half of these
scales for the total sample of soldiers is reported on Table 7. In addition, analyses included
two single item variables that are of potential importance. The first is a measure of the
satisfaction with the Army as a way of life. The second is the perception of the level of work
demands that the Army makes on the soldier.
With only one exception, work stress, a higher proportion of happily married soldiers
than single soldiers gave an affirmative response to each job-rtlated variable. In general, few
proportional differences were found in the job-related attitudes of single soldiers across
relationship status groups. However, a higher proportion of single soldiers in committed
relationships believed that they experienced higher work demands compared to their
independent counterparts. The latter finding may be the result of having to meet their work
demands while also meeting the obligations and responsibilities associated with close,
interpersonal relationships.
Table 7
Job Attitude Variables by Relationship .Statu
Single
Variables Independent Involved Committed Happily Married
Satisfied with Armya

as a way of life 35 38 38 50
Satisfied with Workb 39 40 37 47
fHigher work stressc 52 53 50 48
Soldiering importanced 40 43 44 55
I Perceive high work demandsc 36 38 45 48
a Percent responding in upper half of the scale: coded from low to high satisfaction
b 3ra and 4th quartiles: coded from low to high satisfaction
c 3rd and 4th quartiles: coded from low to high stress
d 3rd and 4th quartiles: coded from low to high importance
e Percent responding in lower third of the scale: coded from low to high demand
24
. ..-- "
When male and female soldiers were compared on their job attitudes according to their
relationship status, several important differences emerged. For example, a lower proportion
of females in relationships had high levels of Army job satisfaction compared to independent
females; however, no such proportional differences were found for single males across
relationship status groups (see Figure 8). In addition, a higher proportion of females who
were not in relationships reported high levels of job satisfaction (57%) than their male
counterparts (38%). However, there were no differences in ratings of job satisfaction among
males and females in committed relationships (39% and 38%, respectively). These patterns
hold for both Black and White males and females across each of the status groups.
Male and female soldiers also appeared to respond differently to work stress and
perceptions of soldiering importance according to their relationship status. In general, a
greater proportion of young male Black single soldiers reported high work stress than White
soldiers, whether or not they were involved in relationships. Among Hispanic soldiers,
however, the proportion of those reporting high work stress was lower among those in
committed relationships (43%) than those who were independent (64%) or in involved
relationships (59%).
60
C 50
C'n
•- 40o 00
40
Matc
Inlependent Involved Committed Happily Married

Single
Relationship Status
Fieum 8. Satisfaction with Army job.
25
In terms of soldiering attitudes, there was a trend toward a higher proportion of Black
and white male soldiers who were involved in relationships reporting higher levels of
soldiering importance than independent singles, especially if those relationships were
committed (see Figure 9). Again, a reverse trend was noted among Hispanic males, with
those in committed relationships less likely to report soldiering importance.
Among young women, the pattern of responses to perceptions of soldiering importance
is quite different from that of male soldiers. As the data on Figure 9 indicate, a significantly
lower proportion of those in more committed relationships reported high soldiering
importance, suggesting that women in these relationships were experiencing more conflict
between soldiering and relationship demands.
70 -'
*1 60 / .
[ ~ ~ I1 ~ 0 . .. . - , .. ..
............ ... =.. •
00_,
40 -0.
4
40E ,- fl', lc BlackFmal
Fmale
btj 0., 'S.....o.*),,.*,),
"3 0 WhiteFcmal
bWO
S30 O..,,.*•,, .o
200
20 a ,
* . .

Single
Relationship Status
FiguLre_9. Perception of soldiering importance.
26
m=9ja~•,,• _ - . . ..
- --- ... _ _-
When perceptions of work stress were examined, Black and White women responded
somewhat differently. The proportion of single White women in less involved relationships
who reported high work stress (43%) was not different from those who were independent
(47%). In contrast, a significantly lower proportion of young Black women in less involved
relationships reported high levels of stress (31%), compared to those in committed (50%) or
no relationships (48%). This suggests, as was noted earlier, that Black and White female
single soldiers may respond differently to relationships; in this case, Black women appeared
to be somewhat less likely to experience work distess when they were in less serious
relationships, while the work stress of White women was largely unaffected by relationship
involvement.
Finally, substantial differences were found in perceptions of satisfaction with the

Army way of life (see Figure 10). A higher proportion of 1',male soldiers who were not
involved in relationships felt satisfied with the Army (53%) than their male counterparts with
no relationships (32%), Among those who were in relationships, the proportional differences
between males and females in satisfaction with the Army were inconsequential. These
trends in satisfaction for single males "-.d females were maintained even in the context of
60
50
S~Females
40
[ 1
30
Single
Relationship Status
Fizre IQ, Satisfaction with Army way of life.
27
racial/ethnik group and rank and grade comparisons. Compared to their single counterpart ,a
higher proportion of happily married soldiers reported high levels of satisfaction with the
Army way of life. These data are consistent with the ov-ra•! data on Army job attitudes
reported above.
Overall, the data on Army job and quality of life attitudes suggest that involvement in
relationships is more !ikely to be associated with neutral to positive influences on male single
-oldiers, but have mixed influences on female single soldiers. These impacts are most
dramatically revealed on overall satisfaction with the Army way of life and on satisfaction
with Army jobs. Male seldiers appear able to enter into relationships without substantially
threatening their attitude s toward their work and the Army. If anything, participation by
males in relationships is transferred into somewhat more positive perceptions among some of
these soldiers. On the other hand, single female soldiers are less clear in the way in which
they accommodate close relationships with their job responsibilities. Relational involvement
tends to be associated with some deterioration in their otherwise high levels of Army job
satisfaction and satisfaction with the q:uality of Army life and the importance women give to
soldiering roles. But relationships do not appear to have a negative effect on work stress and
may lower stress on Black women under conditions of less conmmitment to marriage.
J
Psychological Well-Being and Relationships
The importance of psychological well-being is often recognized by military leaders,

especially its influence in promoting positive work attitudes and behaviors. Soldiers who feel
a greater sense of self-worth, integration, and self-control are often considered bettt r able to
perform assigned tasks and to contribute to unit morale and readiness. The level of
psychological well-being may be tied to the nature and quality of intimate relationships
betwe~en men and women. By providing a viable source of social support, personal
"relationshipsmay play a catalytic role in enhancing psychological well-being, helping to
explain some of the comparisons noted earlier between relationship status and work
attitudes and behavior.
In this analysis, three areas of psychological weUl-being were examined: self-esteem,

alienation, and locus of control. Each are considered important attributes of the self. Self-
esteem is one of the most consi.tently studied variables in psychology. In the present
analysis, it is defined as the extent to which the individual .soldier feels secure, hopeful, and
pleased with self.
Alienation is defined as the extent to which the individual soldier feels isolated, lonely
and afraid. People who are alienated often separate themselves from others and feel
vulnerable in both their day-to-day life and their relationships with others. Locus of control
refers to whether a person is internally or externally directed. Internal control suggests
greater levels of independent thinking and confidence in producing intended results.
The responses of soldiers to each of these psychological scales were divided into
quartiles representing low, moderately low, moderately high and high values. Using the third
and fourth response quartiles, psychological well-being iF discussed below as high self-
esteem, low alienation, and internal locus of control. As the data on Table 8 indicate, a lower
28
V.:
proportion of singles than happily married soldiers reported a high level of psychological well-
being. For the most part, however, comparisons across the single groups revealed relatively
small proportional differences.
"Table8
Psychological WelL.-Being Variables by Relationship-Stat
Single
Low Alienationa 31 36 32 53
Internal Locus of Controlb 38 38 35 43
High Self-Esteemc 45 48 46 58
a 3rd and 4th quartiles: Coded from high to low alienation.

b 3rd and 4th quartiles: Coded from external to internal locus of control.
C3rd and 4th quartiles: Coded from low to high self-esteem.
In the case of all three indicators, the association between psychological well-being
and single relationship status is further clarified when experienced in the context of gender
and racial/ethnic group breakdowns. Looking first at the critical variable of high self-esteem,
young, single male soldiers did not appear to be influenced by relationship status (see Figure
11). The proportion of males who reported high self-esteem was remarkably consistent
across the three relationship status groups for each racial/ethnic group examined. However,
compared to White male soldiers, a higher proportion of Black and Hispanic males reported
high self-esteem irrespective of single relationship status. *Thus,minority male soldiers
generally had more positive feelings about themselves than White males, a factor that is
likely to foster their commitments to the Army and to their jobs. Only about two-fifths (41%)
of single White males who were not involved in a relationship reported high self-esteem.
29
-
:1m
.1
70
-g I[LHpanic Male
a white Fe~male
.,Black Femalc
30
- 0 - .. *., . C ,,t •
Relationhip Status
Figur 11 High self-esteem.
Among young, single Black female soldiers, a comparatively high proportion who were
independent or who were in committed relationships reported high self-esteem (67% and
64%, respectively). However, among those in less serious relationships, a much lower
proportion reported high self-esteem (28%) than was the case for any other group-.female or
male. These findings suggest that single Black females may have some difficulty in
reconciling their personal and relationship needs and obligations when they become involved
in less serious relationships. No similar pattern was found for White female soldiers,
"suggesting that relationship status may have different consequences for the self-esteem of
B!lirk and White feam,•les.
As with self-esteem, the association between alienation and relationship status must
be considered in the context of gender and racial/ethnic group breakdowns. Among White and
Black single females, the findings for low alienation were similar to those for self-esteem.
"Thatis, a lower proportion of Black females in less serious relationships (22%) than those in
committed relationships (38%) experienced low alienation. For White single females, the
findings were just the opposite: the relationship status group reporting the highest level of
low alienation was the less seriously involved (37%). A similar proportion of White
irdependent and committed females reported low alienation k25% and 25%, respectively).
30
30 -
Among single male soldiers, the findings for low alienation were more dramatic across
relationship status groups than was the case for self-esteem. Although the proportion of
single White males who reported low alienation varied little across.relationship status group,
more variation was present for male soldiers in the two minority groups, especially for Black
males. Compared to their counterparts who were independent (28%), a higher proportion of
Hispanic males in involved (38%) and committed relationships (35%) reported low alienation.
However, directly contrary to their single female Black counterparts, a higher proportion of
Black males in less serious relationships reported low alienation (48%) than Black males
who were either independent (38%) or in committed relationships (32%).
The data on internal locus of control provides information on how relationships among
singles influence the way in which they construct their social environments and shift their
orientation either inward or outward in terms of psychological direction. The data in Figutre 12
indicate that the proportion of White male and Black female soldiers who reported an internal
locus of control varied little across single relationship status groups.
More dramatic group differences were found among White females. Although 61
percent of White females reported an internal locus of control when they hadI no relationship,
this internal control was significantly lower among those involved in relationships. S&, '.tly
less than one-half of those involved in less serious relationships (46%) or 'n committed
relationships (48%) reported an internal locus of control.
It is interesting to note that these findings for White females in committed

relationships paralleled those for low alienation. Combined, the data for White females may
help explain the greater difficulties that these women experience in committing themselves to
the Army and maintaining high levels of job satisfaction and performance. 6ll, within
relationship status groups, a higher proportion of independent White females uhan other
gender and racial/ethnic group combinations reported an internal locus of control, suggesting
that independent White females are generally more internally directed and personally
motivated than other soldiers.
Similar to the pattern for White females, compared to their independent counterparts
and those in less serious relationships, a lower proportion of Black (25%) and Hispanic
(40%) males in committed relationships reported an intirmal locus of control. This pattern of
findings for Hispanic males, while not dramatic, may be a factor in the findings noted earlier in
which a higher proportion of those in committed relationships experienced more difficulty in
their work.-related roles. The lower proportion of Black males in committed relationships who
reported an internal locus of control is similar to findings presented earlier regarding low
alienation. Compared to their White male counterparts, committed relationships may be
associated with some perceived loss of personai control and greater yielding to the needs of
others among males from these minority groups.
31
70
S.5
•60 .°White Female
CA 5e' . "'* ** a0 Black Female

1"....... ,* . . a
9 ~ ~ E~~O*~0Hisp~nc Male
-~ ~ ~ ~ ---------
-. • ÷ o---
40 White Male
30 -.. . .....
20
Single
Pelationship Status
Fig= 12, Internal locus of control.
Overall, th, results from the analysis indicate that young soldiers who were married
reported higher psychological well-being than their single counterparts across all gender and
racial/ethnic group breakdowns. This trend was most apparent in group comparisons on low
alienation; it was least apparent in comparisons on internal locus of control, most notably for
Hispanic males. Although measures of psychological well-being among soldiers in happy
marriages do vary by gender and racial/ethnic group status, in general, a happy marriage
appears to be a great equalizer in the psychological well-being of young soldiers. The latter
finding wa.s onfirmed for all the nay _rades examined in the investigation.
All in all, the .ummary picture is one of personal relationships among singles having
somewhat more of a negative effect on the psychological well-being of young women than on
young men in the Army. However, the nature of the findings suggest the critical importance
of considering both gender and racial/ethnic group in considering the association between
psychological well-being and relationship status among single soldiers.
32
Social and Community Supports
Social and community supports are considered important variables impacting on

quality of life and adaptation to personal and organizational demands. Such supports are
particularly important in environments that require indaviduals to adapt frequently to new
circumstances and where work requirements may cause personal and relational stress.
Social and community supports, in this analysis, include the availability of both informal and
formal sources and types of support as well as satisfaction with different aspects of
community life. Such supports have been found to buffer and moderate the impact of stressor
events on individual and family well-being.
Three social and community support variables were reviewed in this analysis: social
support, community support, and community satisfaction. Social support was measured by a
scale t&at assessed the level of support that the soldier could expect at the current location
from e ther a friend, neighbor, or relative (besides the spouse, if married) outside the home
under six hypothetical situations (e.g., listen to you when you need to talk; make a short-term
loan of $25.00-$50.00). Because of differences in the categories of responses for married
soldiers, only the data for singles are presented.
Unlike social support that reflected different types of instrumental and expressive
support, the assessment of community support focused on six different sources of support
from whom the soldier could potentially count on for help with a personal or family problem
(e.g., a leader at your place of work; staff of an Army service agency). Last, community
satisfaction was assessed by having soldiers rate five features of the local environment that
are often associated with the quality of community life (e.g., quality of housing, recreational
programs, and services for singles).
Based on their respective frequency distributions, the responses of soldiers to each of
these social and community support constructs were divided into quartiles for purposes of
analysis. Using the upper two quartiles, social and community supports are discussed below
as high social support, high community support, and high community satisfaction.
As the data in Table 9 indicate, a higher proportion of young single soldiers perceived
they were receiving high levels of social and community support if they were in a relationship,
especially if the relationship was committed. This was particularly true for social support, an
item set that includes more instrumental than expressive types of support. However,
satisfaction with the community appeared to be largely unaffected by relationship status.
33
Social and Community Support Variables by Relationship Status
Single
Social Supporta 55 66 70 (NA)

Community Supportb 42 53 55 50
Community Satisfactionc 45 43 44 45
a 3rd and 4th quartiles: Coded from low to high social support.
b 3rd and 4th quartiles: Coded from low to high community support.
C3rd and 4th quartiles: Coded from low to high community satisfaction.
Before examining each of three social and community support variablcs, there are
several trends across the variables that are important to note. First, the combined influence
of gender and racial/ethnic group were important moderators in the association between
relationship status and each dependent outcome. Second, contrary to the findings for
psychological well-being across gender and racial/ethnic groups, there were fewer dramatic
differences between soldiers in the single soldier groups and those who were happily married
in levels of reported high community support and high community satisfaction.
While there was a trend toward greater levels of social support amoylg sirgle soldiers
who were in relationships compared to those who were not, there were some important
differences in how men and women from different racial/ethnic backgrounds felt about the
availability of social support (see Figure 13). For single White soldiers, both males and
femrales, a higher nronortion of those in relationships than independent singles reported high
social support. These proportions were even higher for those in committed relationships.
34
_ ___
90
.
80 Black .Female
, v -.
-,as ......... S. o White Female
S. . ,•j•.. •0m •, •.Ld~q' Blac:k M ile.
70 -0 t
H.ipcMale
g: ~~~.me.,°eem'
660
)
50
40'Ii
Independent Involved Committed

Relationship Status - Singles
Figue 13 Social support among young single soldiers.
The differences in social support betwt 'i single minority men and women were less
dramatic. Very similar proportions of Hispanic i6lack and White males involved in
relationships reported high social support. The exceptionally high levels of social support
reported by independent Black females (81%) were moderated sorewhat ýy involvement in a
relationship (66%), but overall, the proportion of soldiers reporting high social suppcrt was
greater in all groups among those in coný±nitted relationships, especially Black females (77%).
Taken together, these findings suggest a trend toward social support increasing as the level
of commitment increases in single relationships.
Patterns of community support also varied according to relationship status among
young single soldiers. While the ovcrall trend suggested that a higher proportion of single
soldiers in relationships reported a viable community support system, further analysis by
gender and racial/ethnic group revealed that this trend in the data was not displayed amongst
all groups. While more than one-half of White and Black males in committed relationships
reported high community support (57% and 53%, respectively), only than one out of three
(34%) Hispanic males in this type of relationship reported high community support. This
finding for Hispanic males in committed relationships suggests a level of personal and
relational isolation that was somewhat unique among males in the study.
35
Among young female soldiers, there were substantial differences in the proportion of
Black and White women who reported high community support, especially among those in
less serious relationships. While a higher proportion of White women in less serious
relationships (60%) reported high community support than those who were independent
(43%), the opposite pattern was true for Black women. While 63 percent of independent
Black women reported high community support, only 34 percent of those in less serious
"relationships reported high community support. Among those White and Black women who
were in committed relationships, the relative proportions that reported high community
support reversed again. Compared to those in less committed relationships, the proportion of
women in committed relationships who reported high community support was lower for White
women (52%) and higher for Black women (60%).
It should be noted that thzse findings regarding social and community support by
relationship status type generally held across the junior rank and grade categories reviewed
in thi analysis. However, there are seve, al caveats in the data that deserve mention. For
example, among junior mnlisted soldiers (PFCs and corporals/specialists), there was a clear
association between relationship involvement and high social and community support: a
lower proportion of independent singles reported high social and conmmunity support than
soldiers in relationships,
relationships. aItlower
is interesting
committed proportiontoof
note, however,
junior officersthat
thanamong those
those in soldiers
other in
rank groups
reported either high social support or high community support. In fact, within the junior officer
ranks, a lower proportion of those in committed relationships than those in less serious
relationships reported high social and community support. These findings suggest that junior
officers may be more likely to withdraw from their, social and community support systems
when they enter into committed relationships, and they also may receive less potential
support from their personal relationships than soldiers in other rank groups.
• Biack Maic
Hhpfani MalO
, ,' ._ l .*
E2
40 - ..... -/
40 '4
4* a [l
% .1
3.0 - IQ I I

Single
Relationship Status
Figure 14, Community satisfaction.
36
Like the data on social and community support, the data on community satisfaction are
best understood in the context of gender and racial/ethnic group breakdowns (see Figure 14).
For the most part, the proportion of males who reported high community satisfaction varied
little by relationship status. Among female soldiers, the pattern of response to community
satisfaction was also very similar to that of community support. A lower proportion of Black
females who were in less serious relationships reported high satisfaction with their
community (31%) than those who were either independent (45%) or in cormmitted
relationships (50%). On the other hand, a lower proportion of White females who were in
committed relationships reported high community satisfaction (30%) than those who were
either independent (41%) or in less serious relationships (49%).
An interesting trend in the data is the relatively high proportion of Black males who
reported high community satisfaction irrespective of relationship status type. Approximately,
three out of five Black males in each relationship status group reported high community
satisfaction--these proportions are higher than for any other combination of relationship
status, gender, and racial/ethnic group.
Support -Ser-vices
A number of support services currently exist in the Army community as a preventive

and remedial safety net for single soldiers. Ranging from financial information and assistance
to emergency relief, these Army-sponsored support services are designed to augment and
strengthen the informal social and community supports systems that also provide a protective
barrier and resource for single soldiers.
In this analysis, nine services were examined: Budget Counseling, Emergency Loan
Services, Sponsorship Assistance, Relocation Counseling, Community Directory of Services,
Information & Referral Services, Crisis Hot Line, Emergency Phone Calls and Premarriage
Counseling (see Figure 15). Soldiers were asked to evaluate each at their current location in
terms of both its actual or potential usefulness and their prior use of the service. Results are
presented below for the proportion of soldiers by relational status that considered the service
"very useful" and who responded that they had used it. Additional analysis is presented by
relational status within gender, race/ethnic, and pay grade.
The findings indicate that, irrespective of relational status, single soldiers found the
nine support services a valuable source of support at their current location. From
approximately two-fifths to two-thirds of single soldiers across the relational status groups
rated each service as "very useful" (see Figure 15).
37
Budget Counseling
Errgncy Loan Services
Sponsorship AMsistance jj
Rekwxlion Counseling
Commwuty Dirctoty Ijndepndent
Info. & Refezral Servimcs
Cxisi Hot Line
Emexgency Phone Calls

SPreMarrmae Counelin
g, 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Pcrcent "Yes" - Single
EjiguLLi Usefulness of support services among young single soldiers.

i=
In general, a higher proportion of single soldiers in committed relationships found

these Army services "very useful" than independent and involved singles. Only for
Emergency Loan Services was there a similar proportion of single soldiers in less serious and
committed relationships who rated the service as "very useful." Several services appeared
particularly attractive to males and females in committed relationships: crisis hot lines (65%
and 72%, respectively), emergency loan services (66% and 71%, respectively), and
emeigency long distance phone calls (69% and 72%, respectively).
It is apparent from the data that single soldiers in committed relationships found these
support services as useful as happily married soldiers. In fact, a higher proportion of single
committed soldiers than happily married soldiers rated all of the reviewed services as "very
useful." Because responses were restricted to activities at the currnt location, premarriage
"counselingwas not included in this comparison.
The services examined in this analysis were considered somewhat more important to
female soldiers than to male soldiers. A higher proportion of female soldiers than male
soldiers within each relationship status group reported services as "very useful" at their
current location. With the exception of premarriage counseling and emergency loan services,
a higher proportion of female soldiers who were in committed relationships rated services as
"very useful" than those who were either independent or in less serious relationships.
Although such trends were less consistent in the data for males, in general, a lower
proportion of males who were independently single than males in other relationship status
groups rated support services "very useful."
38
Overall, there were few discernible trends in the data by relationship status within
racial/ethnic and rank breakdowns. However, compared to their Black and White
counterparts, a relaUvely high proportion of Hispanic soldiers who were independent rated
the two services associated with emergencies as "very useful" at their current location:
crisis hot line (67%) and emergency long distance phone calls (70%). In addition, a higher
proportion of Whites in committed relationships (62%) found premarital counseling services
"very useful" than Blacks (51%) in these relationships.
Although there was some proporti, nal variation in the perceived usefulness of
services within relationship status across ranks, only two trends were noted. First, with few
exceptions, privates not involved in relationships were the least likely -o consider Army
services "very useful." For example, only one out of three of these young soldiers (36%)
found relocation counseling "very useful." Second, among privates in committed
relationships, a higher proportion than those in the other single relationship groups rated
ser-vices "very useful," especially services concerned with relocation assistance and help in
accessing other community services. Thus, those younger and more junior personnel became
much more sensitive to the needs for Army support services as they became more involved in
relationships.
Budget Counseling
Emergency Loan Services
Sponsorship Assistance []Independent

Relocation Counseling
Community Directory
Info. & Refenal Services
Crisis Hot Line
PreMarriage Counseling
0 10 20 30
Independent
FEigure.1, Use of support services among young single soldiers.
39
. .1...1.1:1111 S - R IN
Prior Use
Although nearly one-half or more single soldiers felt that the services examined were
"very useful," the proportion of these soldiers who had actually used support services was
rather low (see Figure 16). In fact, irrespective of relationship status, less than 10 percent of
single soldiers had used four of the nine services: relocation counseling, crisis hot line,
emergency long distance phone calls, and premarriage counseling. Of the services reviewed,
a higher proportion of single soldiers (approximately one out of five) had used conmnunity
services (i.e., the directory of community services and information and referral services).
With the exception of premarital counseling, degree of involvement with a girl or

boyfriend had little association with the proportion of soldiers who had accessed these
services. Participation in premarriage counseling was much more likely among single soldiers
in committed relationships (7%) than independent singles (2%) or those with less serious
relationships (3%). Despite these proportional differences, however, the rather low
utilization of this service by soldiers in committed relationships was rather surprising.
When compared to happily married soldiers, a lower proportion of single soldiers had
used five of the eight services relevant for comparison: emergency loan services, sponsorship
assistance, relocation counseling, directory of community services and programs, and
information and referral services. The significantly lower use of sponsorship assistance was
the most notable difference between the singles and the happily married: approximately
twice the proportion of happily married soldiers than soldiers in the single status groups had
received sponsorship assistance.
Although there were exceptions, in general, a higher proportion of single. females than
single males had used services. These proportional differences were most apparent in the
use of three particular services, especially among single males and females who were not in a
relationship: sponsorship assistance, directory of community services and programs, and
information and referral services. In addition, compared to their male counterparts in
committed relationships (8%), more than twice the proportion of female soldiers in committed
relationships had used emergency loan services (22%).
Few discernable trends in the use of services were apparent in the comparisons of the
three single relationship status groups within the context of racial/ethnic group breakdowns.
However, nearly one out of five Hispanics in committed relationships (19%) had used
emergency long distance phone calls, significantly higher than any other group in the uaalysis.
Although there were some specific proportional variations within relationship status
across rank groups, the most obvious differences ure between single officers and enlisted
soldiers. In general, a higher proportion of enlisted soldiers than officers had used services
within the categories of "financial information and assistance" and "emergency assistance."
On the other hand, a higher proportion of officers than enlisted soldiers had used "community
services." In addition to these officer and enlisted soldier group differences, compared to
other rank groups, a relatively low proportion of privates had used "community services,"
services that are designed to help soldiers more effectively broker the human service delivery
system.
40
L
Conclusions and Recommendations
This report is the first major investigation of the impact of boyfriend and girlfriend
relationships on the needs, attitudes and behaviors of single military personnel. The research
provides a unique picture of single soldiers and the development of interpersonal
relationships firom independence to marriage. Since this transition is a nonaal part of
relational life, and it occurs during the early years of the military obligation, it is important for
Army policy makers, leaders, and service providers to understand these relational patterns
and their potential effects on the soldier and his or her personal, social and work related
outcomes.
SMajgr..Ein ina
Nearly one out of two single soldiers are involved in partner relationships. It is no
longer possible to characterize single soldiers uniformly as independent young men and
women without relational attachments. Over a decade ago, it was learned that many soldiers
enter the Army single and exit married; now it is impoitant to understand that there is an
intermediate process in which close relationships are developed with partners who can have
a significant impact on young soldiers.
Raciallethnicgroup and gender emerge as significantfactors in understanding how
relationship status can impact on work, personal, social and community needs and outcomes.
The evidence is clear that men and women from different racial/ethnic backgrounds respond
differently to being in close relationships. Overall, compared to their male counterparts,
single women are somewhat more likely to be in relationships and these relationships are
more likely to be with other soldiers. In addition, the attitudes of single women toward the
Army and themselves are more likely than those of single men to be adversely affected by
these relationships. However, the Army attitudes and behavior of White women and men are
less likely to be affected by relational involvements when compared to soldiers from Black or
Hispanic backgrounds. The work attitudes, commitments and performance of male Hispanic
soldiers are more likely to be negatively influenced when these men are seriously considering
marriageý.
The relationshipsof single soldiers can impact their work commitments, performance
and attitudes. The data are consistent in denoting differences in work-related variables
among single soldiers who are involved in relationships as compared to those who are not.
There is an overall trend in which performance, commitments and attitudes are positively
impacted by involvement in relationships. This is more true for males than for females, and
for White soldiers than for Black and Hispanic, but it is also true that ulany soldiers
experience difficulty in reconciling the demands of the Army with those that emerge from their
commitments to their partners.
The personal well-being and social supportsystems of single soldiers vary according to
reh. ,nship status. Overall, involvement in a personal relationship tends to have either a
minimal or positive effect on the personal and social well-being of male soldiers. Among
young female soldiers, relational involvements are more often associated with slightly lower
indicators of personal well-being. In general, a higher proportion of both male and female
soldiers report high social support when they are involved in a committed relationship.
41
L
Irrespective of single relationship status, a higher proportionof female than male
soldiersfind community support services more useful. Young female soldiers appc'ar to
define Army support services as being more helpful during times of need. This is true
regardless of single relationship status. Young females appear to be more willing to access
support services in times of need.
Compared to independentand less seriously involved singles, soldiers in more serious
relationshipsfind community support services more uyeful. The more that soldiers are
considering marriage the more important support services become to them and their partners.
They are particularly likely to consider emergency services more useful, and a higher
proportion recognize the importance of premarriage counseling.
]commendations for Service roviders

Relationship supportprograms should be expanded to single soldiers in committed
relationships. Many of these soldiers are in the process of making the transition from single
to married status. Programs that provide support for families should also consider selected
parallel activities that can assist single soldiers and their partners in adjustments they must
also make to separations, relocations and job-related stresses.
Provide single soldiers with opportunitiesto develop support groups around
"relationshipissues. These can be offered in the barracks oi through other community support
agencies on post. Clearly, many of these relationships are developing without the kind of kin
and community support that many of these young men and women would otherwise have
outside the Army. Opportunities for exchanging information and learning appropriate ways
for relationships to adapt to military demands would be particularly helpful.
Improve publicity and expand pre-marital counseling. Interest and awareness in pre-
marital counseling is quite low despite the need. All too often, this counseling is provided
only at the very last minute, usually when many couples have already made commitments and
overlooked major areas of concern in their lives. Counseling assistance should be offered
earlier in relationship development so that these commitments are based on effective
preparation for joint obligations and understanding.
Provide post-level educationalprograms to prepare single soldiers io integrate
relationship and career demands. At the present time, there is very little information offered
to young soldiers on relationship development outside of their work environment. This lack of
preparation, coupled with the personal isolation that comes from being separated from family
and community of origin, can result in premature commitments that adversely affect the
soldier's ability to cope with the demands of military life. Local education programs on
-relationships
in the Army can b vey helpful in prepairig soldirrs for halancinu rela ;onal and
career demands.
Offer programs and expand the recreationalactivities that are offered to young
unmarried couples. All too often, recreational activities are oriented either to single soldiers
or to families. It is important to recognize that young unmarried couples also need
opportunities to spend time together in wholesome, joint activities that can strengthen their
understanding of one another. When this is offered within an Army environment, it provides a
connection between the military lifestyle, personal needs for recreation, and relational needs
for togetherness.
4?
Recommendations for Eucatin andTainng
Include in basic training a curriculum on integratingpersonal relationshipsinto the
Armzy work environment. A thorough orientation into the Army should include recognition
that soldiers develop relationships with boyfriends and girlfriends that often mature into
marriage. These relationships occur in the early years of the Army obligation, often at a time
when they are also learning how to become effective soldiers. Without preparation, they are
unlikely to be prepared for integrating relationships into the Army and unable to recognize
that some of these relationships may threaten their ability to perform their Army jobs.
Include in basic leader courses a curriculum on the effects of personal involvements on
Army outcomes such as retention, readiness and morale. Leaders should be prepared to
recognize that personal relationships among young soldiers are a normal part of development.
They need to learn how they can positively influence these young soldiers to make these
relationships constructive while still maintaining their -oirmitments to and performance in the
Army.
Include in command and NCO training a component on relationshipsamong young
soldiers. Persons who direct soldiers should be aware of the effect that personal
relationships have on the needs, attitudes and behaviors of young men and women. Personal
relationships among singles as well as relationships among the married should be considered
in this training.
Provide trainingon singles and relationshipsin schools for serviceproviders, including
chaplains, Army community ser-ice providers, social workers, MWR personnel, and other
relevant providers. Again, these persons should be professionally prepared to assist young
soldiers who are attempting to reconcile their personal- and work-related responsibilities and
obligations. A better understanding of these relationships among singles will also assist
these providers in better meeting the needs of young families.
Recomiu tons for Commanders and upieivisor,

Provide opportunitiesfor partnersof soldiers to be included in unit sponsored events
and support groups. A growing number of unit activities include family members but do not
include the partners of single soldiers. Opportunities for them to be involved and receive
support from the unit can increase the support that they in turn provide to the soldier, thereby
increasing soldier commitment and enhancing the connection between the couple and the
Army.
Encourageyoung single soldiers to remain in contact with partnersduring extended
TDYs and deployments. Separation can threaten relationships of single soldiers and weaken
e duiity C up1u LU duto e•
LLIYU uspcuauul,usuy am,,gy
a l--whio a m
already considering mn-rriage. Supervisors need to help these young soldiers anticipate
difficulties that separation may impose on relationships, and help them develop strategies for
combating these potential difficulties.
Preparepartnersfor reunion issues and problems following deployment. Much
attention is given to the reunion of families after deployment but some attention should also
be given to the reunion of single soldiers with their loved ones as well. Reestablishing
relationships is both exciting and potentially stressful. The impacts of stress on soldier
performance and commitment can be reduced if the parmer is provided information on reunion
issues and demands on the soldier at that time.
43
II
Maintain concern for the relationalneeds of all soldiers, both singles and marrieds.
Com,nanders and supervisors need to recognize that the relational needs of single soldiers
are as important to them as those of married soldiers in their units, especially among those
who are seriously considering marriage. Expressing concern to all such soldiers, referring
those experiencing unusual difficulties to other agencies and offering information on
counseling when needed can help maintain the preparedness of the soldier and the
suppo-tiveness of the partner during the time that the soldier is in the unit and the Army.
l.ommendations for Manpower Pe...nn.

Target information about the military lifestyle to the partners of single soldiers.
These people also need realistic and honest information about the services, benefits and
demands of the military environment. The better and more realistically prepared they are for
this lifestyle, the more likely they are to be able to make good decisions regarding their
partner and the Army as a way of life. Realistic information can cause some couples to delay
premature marriage commitments that might later become troublesome, both for themselves
and for the Army.
Recognize that it is normalfor single soldiers to form significant relationships in their
first few years of military service. It is no longer sufficient to think of all soldiers as being
either independently single or married. While single soldiers might not have "dependents,"
they are often emotionally bonded in ways that can significantly influence their performance
and commitments and attitudes. Manpower planning should acknowledge that these
relationships are important to soldiers and that their partners deserve some recognition of
their concerns and needs as well.
Take into account in retention and readiness planning the centributionsof single
soldiers' partners. The data from this report indicate that soldier performance and readiness
can be influenced by their involvement in relationships. Likewise, decisions to stay or leave
the Army are influenced by non-marital partners just as strongly as marital ones. This
information should be taken into account in readiness and retention planning and anticipated
problems and needs for support and information should become part of the Army system.
Include questions in surveys about the nature and impacts of relationshipsamong
single soldiers. Much more information is needed in order to understand the role that single
soldiers and their partners have in the Army and the military overall. This research has only
begun to address many of the questions that military service providers, policy makers and
planners need to ask in order to prepare for the mission of the Army and prepare soldiers to
perform at their best in support of that mission. Questions about relationships among singles
should continue to be asked in major Army surveys and special investigations of these
relationshins .should continued to be supported. 'rhe absence of information can make leaders
complacent about the needs of this very large group of young soldiers, Hopefully, this report
is a step in the right direction.
44
J "2
REFERENCES
Adams, B. N. (1979). Mate selection in the United States: A theoretical summarization. In W.

R. Burr, R. Hill, F. I. Nye, & I. L. Reiss (Eds.), Contemporay theories about the
fwmiy Vol. 1, pp. 259-.267). New York, NY: The Free Press.
Blucher, J. (1988, March 7). Singled Out: Unmarried service members think they're getting a
raw deal. Air Force limes, pp. 57, 63, 68.
Bowen, G. L. (1989). The,.rei.ginship of family satisfaction with the military way of life
a g l (ARI Technical Report 864). Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army Research
Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences. (AD A219 901)
Bowen, G. L. (1990). The family adaptation model: A life course tperspective (ARI Technical
Report 880). Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and
Social Sciences. (AD A221 058)
Bowen, G. L., & Janofsky, G. L (1988). Faj1ly-=ongths and adaptation to Army life: A
focus on v•arations in family values across racial/ethnic groups and rank. Washington,
DC: U.S. Department of Army Office of the Chief of Chaplains.
Coombs, R. H. (1991). Marital status and personal well-being: A literature review. Finil
Rlation, _40, 97-102.
Defense Manpower Data Center. (1985). L=) intion of officers and enlistegpersonnl in the
U.S. Armed Forces. 1985 (Volume 1). Arlington, VA.
Glick, P. C. (1989). The family life cycle and wocial change. Family Relations, 3_a, 123-129.
Gove, W. R., Style, C. B., & Hughes, M. (1990). The effect: of marriage on the well-being
of adults. ournal of Family Isue11, 4-35.
Levinger, G., & Rands, M. (1985). Compatibility in marriage and other close relationships.
In W. Ickes (Fd.), .Compntibleand incompatible relationships (pp. 309-331). New
York, NY: Springer-Verlag.
Orthner, D. K., Brody, G., Hill, W., Pais, J., Orthner, B., & Covi, R. (1985). Familiesji
gr at. 1krining. Washington, DC: Department of the Army.
Orthner, D. K. (1990). The family in transition. In D. Blankenhorn, S. Bayme, & J. B.

Elshtain (Eds.), Rebuilding the nest: A n nwcmimis_rm¢ to the American family (pp.
93-118). Milwaukee, WI: Family Service America.
45
f-..
......-,-.- .•.m•_.... ..... ..••.... ...-.. . ... . .... , ... • •-••
•:_• _,_:......--
, I--
Orthner, D. K., & Bowen, G. L. (1990). Family adaptation in the military (ARI Research
Report 1559). Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and
Social Sciences. (AD A225 085)
Orthner, D. K., Bowen, G. L., & Beare, V. G. (1990). The organization family: A question
of work and family boundaries. MarageiwLnlyj Review, 15, 15-36.
Sadacca, R., & DiFazio, A. S. (1991). Analysis.ofAui, family research program measures
of individual readiness (ARI Technical Report 932). Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army
Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences. (AD A241 271)
Segal, M. W. (1989). The nature of work and family linkages: A theoretical perspective. In
G. L. Bowen & D. K. Orthner (Eds.), The organization family: Work and fam'ly
linkages in the U.S. military (pp. 3-36). New York, NY: Praeger.
Taylor, R. J., Chatters, L. M., Tucker, M. B., & Lewis, E. (1990). Developments in
research on black families: A decade review. Journal of Marriage and the Famnily, 52,
993-1014.
Thornton, A. (1989). Changing attitudes toward family issues in the United States. Jgumnl o
Marriage and the Family, 51, 873-893.
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. (1988). Comparisons of single and married soldiers
on quality of life variables. Washington, DC: Department of the Army.
46
APPENDIX A
Met hods
The sample strategy used by the Army Family Research Program (AFRP) for this
study included a multi-stage cluster sampling technique with 3 sampling stages: geographic
locations, units, and soldiers. This first sampling level included 34 geographic locations
representing 43 Army installations world-wide. Within these installations a second stratum,
that of units, was selected; 528 such units participated. Of the 20,033 soldiers who were
randomly chosen from the units to participate in the study, 11,035 soldiers completed the
Army Soldier and Family Survey.
Subjiects
The subjects used for the analysis of the Single Soldier Report include 2,242 single,
never married, soldiers and a comparison group of 1,017 married soldiers who reported they
were happily married. These soldiers were restricted to those who were under 30 years old,
had no children, and who were privates, corporals/specialists, sergeants, lieutenants, or
captains. The single soldier sample included 1,971 males and 271 females. Of the married
soldiers, 846 were male and 171 were female.
The responses from these groups of soldiers were weighted to better represent the
Army as a whole. The weighting was performed using SUDAAN software which allows for
weighqing of multi-stage cluster sampling. Thus, approximately 344,352 soldiers were
represented through thiq analysis. Table Al includes the weighted demographic profile of the
analysis sample by relationship status.
Instruments
The data for this report came from two itstrument sources, the Army Soldier and
Family Survey and the Individual Readiness Ratings. The Army Soldier and Family Survey
contained 449 items on Army attitudes and values, attitudes toward the use of Army support
programs and services, retention and career plans, and personal and family relationships.
The Individual Readiness Ratings (IRR) consisted of 12 ratings by first- and second-line
supervisors of individual soldier readiness and performance ratings.
A-1
Demographic Profile By Relationship Status
Variable Inde.end.ent Ina .Committed Happily Manie
Gender
Male 90.9 85.6 82.8 83.2
Female 9.1 14.4 17.2 16.8
Race
White 68.5 65.0 64.9 69.7
Black 23.5 26.6 28.4 21.3
Hispanic 8.0 8.4 6.7 9.0
Rank
PVT-PFC 29.3 25.0 26.6 15.9
CPL 47.2 52.1 49.0 44.9
SGT 11S, 11.4 12.2 13.4
2LT-1LT 11.7 11.5 12.2 25.8
Age
18 1.1 1.4 1.9 0.0
19 9.0 9.0 8.4 4.3
20 18.8 16.8 17.5 7.9
21 13.1 14.6 13.9 11.3
22 10.3 11.7 8.1 9.8
23 9.3 8.5 12.9 10.9
24 11.6 10.6 11.0 13.3
25 8.6 10.7 7.7 11.2
26 5.6 4.2 6.7 9.2
27 4.9 5.9 4.8 8.6
28 4.3 2.1 3.8 8.4
29 3.4 3.4 3.4 5.1
Location of Partner
IT4U•., I .... NVA 41 51.0 NA
Beyond 2 Hours NA 58.4 49.0 NA
A-2
.........
Data Analysis and Measures
Only soldier-related data were used in the analyses, including responses of soldiers to
survey questionnaires and supervisor ratings of performances. Comparisons were _nade
between four relationship status groups: independent singles (no relationships), singles in
less serious relationships (involved), singles in committed relationships (committed), and,
for comparison purposes, married soldiers who described their relationships as happy
(happily married). Crosstabulations were used to compare relationship status with a number
of variables that are described below. Analysis of variance techniques were used to
crosscheck the findings from the crosstabulations.
the 'The first section of this report, Job Performance and Relationships, used items; f'rom
the Army Soldier and Family Survey as well as a Readiness Scale derived from the 1st and
2nd line supervisors from the IRR. This scale is further described in the "Analysis of Army
Family Research Program Measures of Individual Readiness" (Sadacca & DiFazio, 1991).
The remaining items included the level of perceived preparation to perform wartime tasks, the
receipt of letters and certificates of appreciation, commendation or achievement the soldier
received in the past 2 years, and the soldier's perceived success at dealing with current work
responsibilities. Soldier's perceived level of preparation for wartime tasks was measured on
a 5 point scale from "Very poorly prepared" to "Very well prepared." The number of letters or
certificates of appreciation, commendation, or achievement the soldier received within the
past two years ctmrn from combining responses for the number of letters received with thtL
number of certificates received in each of the listed areas. The soldier's perceived success at
dealing with work responsibilities was measured on a 7 point scale from "Not at all
successful" to "Extremely Successful."
Retention and Relationships, the second section of the report, included items from Lhe
Army Soldier and Family Survey dealing with the soldier's perception of who is getting the
better deal, the Army or the soldier, how the soldier feels about staying in the Army at the
end of the current obligation, how likely it is that the soldier will stay in the Army at the end
of the current obligation, and the soldier's perception of leaving the Army at the end of the
current obligation. The item measuring the soldier's perception of who is getting the better
deal, the Army or soldier is measured by a 7 point item. This item ranged from "I am getting
a much better deal than the Army" to "The Army is getting a much better deal than I." How
the soldier feels about staying in the Army at the end of the current obligation was measured
in -!. 7 point item ranging from "Extremely bad" to "Extremely goodL" The likelihood of the
,oAdier staying in the Army at tb end of the current obligation was measured by a 10 point
item ranging from "No chance" to "Certain." How the soldier would feel upon leaving the
Army at the end of the current obligation was measured on a 7 poi,'f scale from "Extremely
bad" to "Extremely good". Two scales "'ere also used in the data a. dysis for this section.
The Army-Civilian Job Comparison Scale is a ten item scale ranging from 10 to 50 with a
mean of 27.07, a standard deviation of 6.05 and an alpha coefficient of 0.83. The Army
Commitment Scale is a 7 item scale ranging from - to 35 with a mean of 23.0', a standard
deviation of 5.99 and an alpha coefficient of 0.86. Further details on these and subsequent
scales can be found in Appendix D of the AFRP Analysis Plan (Orthner & Blankinship,
1990).
A-3
The section on Job Attitudes and Relationships included items from the Army Soldier
and Family Survey measuring satisfaction with the Army as a way of life and the level of
work demands. How satisfied the soldier was with the Army as a way of life is a 5 point item
ranging from "Very dissatisfied" to "Very satisfied". The soldier's perceptions of work
demands was measured by a 7 point item ranging from "Extremely demanding" to "Not at all
demanding." Three Scales were also used in this section: the Work Satisfaction Scales, the
Work Stress Scale and the Soldiering Scale. The Work Satisfaction is a ten item scale
ranging from 10 to 50 with a mean of 35.22, a standard deviation of 6.3, and an alpha
coefficient of 0.77. The Work Stress Scale is a three item scale ranging from 3 to 18 with a
mean of 10.76, a standard deviation of 3.48 and an alpha coefficient of 0.68. The Soldiering
Scale is a four item scale ranging from 4 to 16 with a mean of 13.8, a standard deviation of
2.28 and an alpha coefficient of 0.85.
IsaeThe fourth section of this report, Personal Well-Being and Relationships used three
scales from the Army Soldier and Family Survey: Alienation, Locus of Control and Self
Esteem. Alienation is a 3 item scale ranging from 3 to 18 with a mean of 13.31, a standard
deviation of 3.0 and an alpha coefficient of 0.71. Locus of Control is a five item scale ranging
"from5 to 25 with a mean of 17.41, a standard deviation of 3.36, and an alpha coefficient of
0.69. Self Esteem is a three item scal, ranging from 3 to 18, with a mean of 12.7, a standard
deviation of 2.83, and an alpha coefficient of 0.62.
The Social and Community Support section included three scales also from the Army
Soldier and Family Survey: Social Support Availability, Community Support Network and
Community Satisfaction. The Social Support Availability Scale is a six item scale ranging
from 6 to 18 with a mean of 13.37, a standard deviation of 3.39 and a alpha coefficient of 0.89.
The Community Support Network Scale is a six item scale ranging from 6 to 30 with a mean
of 20.09, a standard deviation of 4.67 and an alpha coefficient of 0.74. The Community
Satisfaction Scale is a five item scale ranging from 5 to 25 with a mean of 16.82, a standard
deviation of 3.39 and an alpha coefficient of 0.77.
Interpreting Sample Statistics
Table A2 includes the unweighted sample group totals by relationship status,

including higher-order breakdowns within gender, racial/ethlnic group, and rank. As will be
discussed below, small sample sizes (less than 30) within some subgroups limit confidence
in comparisons involving those subgroups. Consequently, no subgroups comparisons are
drawn in the analysis involving either Hispanic females or-female officers. In addition, special
caution should be exercised in drawing conclusions from comparisions involving Hispanic
males in committed relationships.
Table A3 contains both standard error estimates for interpreting proportions from
single sample groups of different sizes and standard error estimates of the difference between
proportions involving two independent groups of given sample sizes (Bowen, 1991). Both
estimates assume a "worst case" scenario of maximum variability (p = .5; q = .5). In
addition, formulas for calculating standard error estimates are adjusted for design effects from
the multi-level sampling design to be more conversative (Design Effect 1.25).
A-4
Table A2
Unwyeighted Sample Size Profile
Total 1200 624 418 1017
Gender
Male 1091 534 346 846
Female 109 90 72 171
Race\Ethnic Group
White 810 401 270 704
Black 278 164 118 215
SHispanic 94 52 28 91
i Rank\Pay Grade
PVT & PFC 351 156 111 162
CPL 566 325 205 457
SGT 143 71 51 136
2LT, 1LT, CPT 140 72 51 262
I Race X Gender
White Males 753 343 230 549
White Females 57 53 40 110
Black Males 233 134 90 169
Black Females 45 30 28 46
Hispanic Males 87 47 24 76
ispanic Females 7 5 4 15
A-5
Table A3
Standard Error Guidelines
Minimal
Group 1 IropZ Proportional
N Value (SE r(1)) N Value (SE v(2)) SE (p(1D-p(2)) Difference
1000 0.0141 1000 0.0141 0.0200 .04

500 0.0200 0.0245 .05
250 0.0283 0.0316 .06
125 0.0400 0.0424 .08
1000 0.0447 0.0469 .09
75 0.0516 0.0535 .11
50 0.0632 0.0648 .13
30 0.0816 0.0829 .17
500 0.0200 500 0.0200 0.0283 .06

250 0.0283 0.0346 .07
125 0.0400 0.0447 .09
100 0.0447 0.0490 .10
75 0.0516 0.0554 .11
50 0.0632 0.0663 .13
30 0.0816 0.0841 .17
250 0.0283 250 0.0283 0.0400 .08

125 0.0400 0.0490 .10
100 0.0447 0.0529 .11
75 0.0516 0.0589 .12
50 0.0632 0.0693 .14
30 0.816 0.0864. .17
125 0.0400 125 0.0400 0.0566 .11

100 0.0447 0.0600 .12
75 0.0516 0.0653 .13
50 0.0632 0.0748 .15
30 0.0816 0.0909 .18
100 0.0447 100 0.0447 0.0632 .13

75 0.0516 0.0683 .14
50 0.0632 0.0775 .16
30 0.0816 0.0931 .19
75 0.0516 75 0.0516 0.0730 .15

50 0.0632 0.0816 .16
30 0.0816 0.0966 .19
50 0.0632 50 0.0632 0.0894 .18
30 0.0816 0.1033 .21
30 0.0816 30 0.0816 0.1155 .23
A-6
Table A3 provides helpful guidelines for making inferences to the population from the
results of the analysis. For example, if 47 percent ot males in committed relationships (n =
346) are given high supervisor ratings of performance, using Table 2, it can be noted that the
standard error estimate for a sample of 250 respondents, assuming maximum variability, is
.0283. A 95% confidence interval for the population proportion would be constructed
symmetrically around the sample proportion by using the approximate critical value (2 for a
95% confidence interval) and the estimated standard error from fable 2: C19 5 = 47% +/- (2)
(.0283). Thus, it can be concluded with 95 percent confidence that the true population
proportion lies in the interval from approximately 41 percent to 53 percent.
If, for example, 55 percent of males who are independently single (n = 1091) are given
high supervisor ratings, and a comparative analysis is planned, a confidence interval around
this eight percent proportional difference between males in committed relationships and
males who are independently single can be undertaken. Using Table 12, it can be seen that
the standard error of the difference between independent proportions from sample groups of
1000 and 250 is .0316. A 95% confidence interval for the proportional difference between the
two population groups would be constructed symmetrically around the estimated proportional
difference by using the approximate critical value (2 for a 95% confidence interval) and the
estimated standard error of the difference from Table 12: CI95 = 8% +1/- (2) (.0316). Thus, it
can be concluded with 95% confidence that the true difference in the proportion of males in
committed relationships who are given high ratings and the proportion of males who are
independently single who are given high ratings lies in the interval from approximately 2
percent to 14 percent.
To determine if a difference of 8 percent is significant enough to reject the null

hypothesis that the difference between the proportion estimates from the two populations is
equal to zero, it is necessary to compute a test statistic, z . The test statistic is calculated by
computing the difference between the two proportions and dividing the result (.08) by the
estimated standard error of the difference (.0316). Since the calculated value of the test
statistic (z = 2.53) exceeds the critical value (Zcv = 1.96), it is concluded that there is a
significant difference between the proportion of males in committed relationships and the
proportion of males who are independently single who are given high supervisor ratings of
performance.
As a general rule, inferences of proportional differences between population subgroups

on var.ables of interest that are based on observed discrepancies between sample
proportions of less than 10 percent should be made with caution, especially in subgroup
comparisions where one or both subgroups have unweighted sample group totals v iless dia
50. The reader should consult Table 12 for the mini nal proportional difference between two
sample subgroup of given sizes (pl - P2) to reject the null hypothesis that the difference
between the two proportions is zero (H0 : P 1 = P2 ). It should be remembered that the figures
in Table 2 reflect a "worst case" scenario; some flexibility in interpretation is warranted.
A-7
L
LQ eýa
Bowert, G. L. (1991). Standard error of the sample Droportion and standard enor of the
diffejence between independent proportions: Guidelines for drawing inferences from
sample subgaoup proportions and differences in sample subroups proportions in
"analysisusing the AFRP dataset (Research Note). Chapel Hill, NC: The University of
North Carolina.
Orthner, D. K., & Blankenship, D. (1990). Appendix D. In Research Triangle Institute (Ed.),
AFRP analysis plan (Vol. II; Appcndicesa. Research Triangle Park, NC: Research
Triangle Institute.
Sadacca, R., & DiFazio, A. S. (1991). Analysis of Army family research program measures
of individual readiness (ARI Technical Report 932). Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army
Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences. (AD A241 271)
A-8

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ARI Research Note 94-11

Young Single Soldiers and Relationships

Dennis K. Orthner, Gary L. Bowern,

Leadership and Organizational Change Technical Area

Manpower and Personnel Research Division

United States Army

A Field Operating Agency Under the Jurisdiction

Research accomplished under contract

Research Triangle Institute

7. PERFORMING ORGAN12ATION NAME(S) AND ADORESS(ES) B. PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONj

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

9. SPONSORING/ MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESSýES) 1.SPONSORING? MONITORING

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

112a, DISTRIBUTION i AVAILABILITY STATEMENT 12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

Approved for public release;

13. ABSTRACT (Maxeimum 200 words)

13. ABSTIRCT (Continued)

".I Aooeussoxn Wow

Grateful appreciation is expressed to the team members who contributed to the

The Army as a Structural Context for

PROFILE OF SINGLE SOLDIERS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS ........... 7

RELATIONSHIP STATUS AND ADAPTATION TO ARMY LIFE ............ 13

Job Performance .......................................... 13

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................... 41

Major Findings ....................... .................. 41

APPENDIX A. METHODS ...................................... A-1

Table 1. Young Single Soldiers and Their Relationships:

2. Young Single Soldiers and Their Relationships:

3. Military Status of Single Soldiers' Partners ...................... 10

4. Proximity of Single Soldiers' Partners ......................... 11

5. Job Performance Variables by Relationship Status ................ 14

6. Retention Variables by Relationship Status ...................... 18

7. Job Attitude Variables by Relationship Status ................... 24

8. Psychological Well-Being Variables by Relationship

9. Social and Community Support Variables by

Figure 1. Young single soldiers and their relati-: iships

2. Supervisor ratings of performance ........................... 15

3. Perceived preparedness for war ............................. 16

4. Higher probability of retention ............................. 19

5. Feel;,ig good about staying in the Army among

Figure 6. Friend/spouse wants soldier to stay

8. Satisfaction with Army job ................................ 25

9. Pc cception of soldiering importance .. ....................... 26

10. Satisfaction with Army way of life ........................... 27

11. High self-esteem ....................................... 30

12. Internal locus of control .................................. 32

13. Social support among young single soldiers ................... 35

14. Community satisfaction ............................... 36

15. Usefulness of support services among young

16. Use of support services among young single

The Army as a Structural Context for Relationship Formation

JL••. .• _--_- - - - -- •. ..' -_- - - -- •. . . . t_.•• - •

Relationship Status and Adaptation

0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0

Figur 1L Young single soldiers and their relationships in the Army.

Status White Black Hispanic White Blac

Relationship Male Females

Status Priv. Corp./Spec. Serg. Offic. Priv. Corp./Spec. Serg. Offic.

An analysis was conducted to determine if there were any differenc:zs in the

Mijitary Status of Single Soldiers' Partners

Parter: Invclved Committed Involved Committe

Currently on active duty 10 9 85 81

% with partners less than 2 hours am

CONUS (Total) (49) (24)

- 9.,. $ , ,'I _